Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Heart Warming Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

USAC France: Lyon - French Language, Art History, and Francophone Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my language. I learned a lot about the country, the people and what's it like to live their lives

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were very rigorous. I had 26 hours of class per week plus homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was well organized and accessible for any issues

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a nice host family

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no medical issues, but he program had services available for such cases

* Safety:

Lyon is a very safe city even at night. Obviously, there are some neighborhoods to avoid just like any city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

In France a student ID gets you discounts almost everywhere. Food and transportation costed very minimal for students

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 to 30 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your money and evaluate your spending from time to time. Keep in mind expected expenses when you return.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? FRN 300
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Well organized
  • Trips
  • excellent teachers
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack a power adapter

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!